How to apply Adhesive Vinyl

Self-adhesive vinyl may be cut into a variety of different shapes and sizes. If you’re looking to create eye-catching and vibrant signs and graphics, this is the ideal material. You may apply the vinyl to any flat or curved surface. It is possible to use self adhesive vinyl on both floor tiles and digital printing presses.

Adorn your house or office with eye-catching stickers and decals of self-adhesive vinyl for an instant makeover. Adhesive vinyl may be found in various colors and sheens, including matt and gloss. When used properly with the help of transfer tape for vinyl, it can endure temperatures as high as 75 degrees Celsius and be used inside or out.

What is the difference between HTV and Self-Adhesive Vinyl?

The sticky surface of adhesive vinyl allows you to apply it to a wide range of objects, including cups, papers, metals, and even plastics. Even though heat is required, HTV may be applied to any surface. Heat transfer vinyl (HTV) is typically used on cloth, but it may also be applied on wood, porcelain, and even metal!

How to apply adhesive vinyl?

So you are new to vinyl and finding it hard how to use vinyl adhesive, this accessible guide explains the simple steps to complete the task:

  • Vinyl must be applied on clean, untreated surfaces for a good bond. Newly painted surfaces should cure before graphics are placed. Check with the paint manufacturer for a timeframe since some may be long. Avoid oily, abrasive, or porous surfaces. Out-gassing surfaces may cause vinyl bubbles and adhesive bond failure. Polycarbonates, acrylics, silicone, wax, sealants, or varnish.
  • Self-adhesive vinyl is cut with the vinyl facing up and the paper liner on the cutting mat or put into the machine with the paper backing at the bottom. Put the adhesive vinyl paper backing down on your carpet, so the colored vinyl side faces you.
  • The next step is called “weeding.” Weeding is simply the process of eliminating any extra vinyl from around your design that you don’t want to be printed on the final product. Using a weeding tool is recommended for removing any extra vinyl.
  • Cut out your design from sticky vinyl to use transfer tape for vinyl. To obtain the most acceptable application, your cutting machine should “kiss cut” the vinyl without cutting the paper backing. If the blade has cut through the paper backing, it may be tougher to remove the decal or have popped the vinyl off, making transfer tape harder to apply.
  • After cutting and weeding your design, smooth transfer tape over it. Once smoothed, flip the vinyl over and squeegee the back to attach it to the transfer tape.
  • Rub harder with the transfer tape on the table and the vinyl paper facing you to transfer it. The decal will come off the backing with the transfer tape. Your decal is on transfer paper and ready to be applied.
  • If putting a giant decal on a surface, spray a fine mist of water over the surface before application and use a squeegee to remove air bubbles and moisture from the centre of the decal to the edges, much as when applying a screen protector. Leave this to dry and evaporate.